Camping near Gore, Oklahoma provides access to Lake Tenkiller's 130 miles of shoreline with elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Fall camping offers vibrant foliage displays when oak and hickory trees transition to red and gold colors typically from late October through mid-November.
What to do
Scuba diving at Lake Tenkiller: The clear waters of Lake Tenkiller offer 8 to 28 feet of visibility for divers to explore sunken artifacts including an airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter, and two boats. "Lake Tenkiller is an amazing location to scuba dive. Its waters are clear and cool from a distance of 8 to 28 feet. A diver will have the opportunity to investigate a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats," notes a reviewer at Chicken Creek.
Fishing at Taylor Ferry: Located on Fort Gibson Lake, Taylor Ferry provides excellent fishing opportunities just a short drive from Gore. "Great place to camp and boat. Good fishing spots as well," reports a visitor to Taylor Ferry. The campground offers direct lake access with multiple fishing spots along the shoreline.
Hiking at Robbers Cave: About a 90-minute drive from Gore, Robbers Cave State Park features hiking trails through the San Bois Mountains. "It offers a lot of amenities, but overall it's about the cave trails and lots of hiking opportunities," shares one camper about Robbers Cave State Park. The park's namesake cave requires a 3/4-mile hike on rocky terrain with significant elevation changes.
What campers like
Convenient boat access: Chicken Creek campground offers proximity to boat docks and water activities. "We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us," reports a camper. The campground's layout allows for easy boat launching and water access.
Privacy between sites: Many campsites at Long Lake Resort offer spacious separation. "Buffalo, horses and awesome amounts of fish! We stayed here in a duplex cabin and could just fish right out our back door. They have hiking trails and 2 private lakes," notes a visitor. Sites with natural barriers provide additional privacy.
Quiet camping environment: Taylor Ferry campground receives positive reviews for its peaceful atmosphere. "It is clean and peaceful and quite and nice," shares one regular visitor. The campground maintains quiet hours from 10 pm to 6 am, similar to Chicken Creek's gate closure times.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the area have limited operations during winter months. "Peak Season April 01, 2021- September 30, 2021. First-come, First-served October 01, 2021- November 30, 2021," advises a Chicken Creek camper. Many facilities close completely from December through February.
Highway noise: Some camping areas experience road noise despite natural settings. At Taylor Ferry, "We could hear the noise from the highway across the lake," notes a camper. Sites furthest from main roads generally offer the quietest experience.
Limited hookup options: Many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups but lack sewer connections at individual sites. "The campground is great except no sewer connections," reports a Taylor Ferry camper. Dump stations are typically available but may require driving from your campsite.
Trail difficulty: Hiking trails often present more challenges than advertised. At Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA, a visitor noted, "The road was really large rock that is very bumpy and uncomfortable to wheel over," highlighting accessibility concerns. Many trails feature rocky, uneven terrain that may be difficult for those with mobility limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple swimming areas provide family recreation opportunities. "We spent two afternoons swimming in Lake Carlton. The designated swim area has a very rocky drop-off for an entrance, but once out it was very nice swimming," shares a visitor to Robbers Cave State Park. Chicken Creek also offers a swim beach with designated swimming areas.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. "The grounds include vault toilets, a dump station, swim beach, and playground areas," explains a camper about area facilities. Chicken Creek includes a playground near the swim beach area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Green Country region offers chances to spot native wildlife. "The lake has 130 miles of shoreline with plenty of wildlife such as deer and turkey. It serves as one of the flyways of migratory birds, including bald eagles, common loons, and white pelicans," notes a Chicken Creek visitor. Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife viewing.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campsites present challenges for larger trailers and RVs. "We've stayed here multiple times and love it. Beautiful place. Some sites are a little tricky backing into with 29' trailer though," advises a Chicken Creek camper. When possible, request pull-through sites for easier access.
Limited 50-amp availability: Campgrounds often have fewer 50-amp sites than 30-amp connections. "Would have given 5 stars, but they are limited on sites with 50amps," explains a Chicken Creek reviewer. Reserve well in advance for 50-amp service, especially during peak season.
Water quality considerations: Water sources may require filtration for optimal use. "I do advise having a water filter system on your rig," suggests a Taylor Ferry visitor. Bringing drinking water or a filtration system is recommended for campers with sensitive equipment or personal preferences.
